May 22, 2013,Toulouse ~ Galeries Lafayette has joined the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival as the latest sponsors for the upcoming 4th edition of the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference to be held in Toulouse, France.
The world forum (Abu Dhabi, Den Hague, Berlin, Toulouse), scheduled from June 4 to 9, culminates with the 4th round of the Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan Cup (Listed) race and the 6th round of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) race at Toulouse Hippodrome.
The fourth World Arabian Horse Racing Conference, staged under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, will be held at Toulouse with 400 speakers gathering to address the various issues pertinent to the sport. Topics including training, veterinary, nutrition and other vital issues will be discussed during the gathering at the international forum.
Speaking from the Galeries Lafayette in Toulouse, Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, head of International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) Ladies Racing said, “We are proud to hold such a major partnership with Gallery Lafitte in Toulouse, the capital of Arabian races and hosts of the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference which is held for the fourth straight year.”
“The festival will host a special news conference on June 5 regarding the staging of the conference which focuses on finding suitable solutions for the future of the Arabian horse at the Pierre Budis Centre in Toulouse Centre de Congrès Pierre Baudis from June 6 to 8, 2013.
“Right from this moment, a major campaign will be launched through the shoppers of Galeries Lafayette. Buyers who spend one to 100.000 Euros will be eligible to enter a special drawing to win five prepaid coupons for ten people (two persons each) to attend the finals of the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup in Abu Dhabi, the capital of ladies Arabian horse races on November 10, 2013.”
Pearl Lager, Marketing Manager Galeries Lafayette Toulouse, who also addressed the press conference said she was delighted in the partnership. “This is an exciting partnership that we are looking forward to build on,” she said.
The fourth edition of the conference in Toulouse, according to Ms Sawaya, will be associated for the first time with speakers from the newly set up court of law to handle the legal aspect of the racing pattern conditions.
Commenting on the two endurance to be held in France, Ms Lara Sawaya said, “The 160km CEI-O three-star Nation Cup ride which will be held in Compiegne, France, has attracted 80 riders. UAE will be represented by 20 riders including Ali Al Jahouri and Yousuf Al Bloushi.”
“The 2013 FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders, taking place on July 27, 2013 in Tarbes, France, will be sponsored by the Festival along with Al Shaqab Stables,” she concluded.
Khaled Hussain, Director of Sports Affairs at the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare, conveyed the greetings of HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Youth and Community Development and extended full support to the activities of the Festival.
Yves Plantin, Chairman of AFAC (French Arabian Racing body) welcomed the partnership they enjoyed with the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.
Gerome Rambo, President of the Toulouse Hippodrome said it was a great privilege to stage the 6th round of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR).
Marciel Bossieul, Racing Manager of Sheikh Mansoor Stables in Normandy, Christiane Lousano, Director of the World Juniors and Youth Championship, and Stephan Bowey of Invest AD all addressed the press conference and expressed their admiration over the success of the Festival.
The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organized by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and co-ordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare and Fegentri with Emirates airlines as the official carrier and sponsored by Invest AD, Arabtec Holding PJSC, Al Rashid Investment, Areej Al Ameerat, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2013, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Wathba Stud Farm , Al Wathba Centre, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Hotel and SPA and Eastern Mangroves Suites, Abu Dhabi by Jannah.
~end